Questions about Sedation Dentistry

Houston, The Woodlands, Kingwood, Spring, and Conroe, Texas

What is sedation dentistry?

Sedation dentistry uses sedatives to relax your central nervous system and produce a feeling of calm and peacefulness during your general or cosmetic dental procedures. The two methods of sedation dentistry that Houston cosmetic dentist Dr. Scott Young offers at Woodlands Premier Dentistry are inhalation sedation (a combination of oxygen and nitrous oxide) and oral sedation (sedative medication pills). Both methods allow patients to undergo dental treatment in a dream-like state without the risks associated with general anesthesia.

Who can benefit from sedation dentistry?

If you are extremely anxious about visiting the dentist, have a resistance to numbing medication, or have avoided going to the dentist time because of negative past experiences, you can benefit from sedation dentistry. Some patients also choose sedation dentistry if their cosmetic dentistry or general dentistry treatment requires a few hours and they want a comfortable, convenient way to have multiple procedures done in one sitting.

Will I remember anything about my treatment with sedation dentistry?

One attractive benefit of both inhalation sedation and oral sedation are the amnesic affects. Although you will not be asleep, your body will be in a calm and relaxed state where you will feel no pain. This will allow you to respond to instructions your dentist may have for you. You will wake up and remember little or nothing about your visit to the dentist. 

Are there any side effects from sedation dentistry? 

With inhalation sedation, the nitrous oxide/oxygen combination allows you to recover immediately, so the chance of any side effects is very slim. With oral sedation, you will probably feel drowsy for the rest of the day. For this reason, it is important that you have someone drive you home from your dental appointment if you choose oral sedation. Some people will experience nausea, usually because they haven’t eaten enough that day. After drinking fluids and eating some food, most people feel back to normal.

Am I a good candidate for sedation dentistry?

Because no anesthesia is used, most patients can benefit from sedation dentistry. Sedation dentistry may be the best choice for you if you have:

  • Fear of dental treatment
  • Bad past experiences at another dentist
  • A tendency to cancel dental appointments out of anxiety
  • Especially sensitive teeth
  • A sensitive gag reflex
  • Limited time to get your dental care completed
  • Complex dental problems or a need for dental surgery

For more information on Sedation Dentistry visit our "What Procedures is Sedation Dentistry Good for?" page.


If you want to know if sedation dentistry in Houston can help you, please contact Houston sedation dentist Dr. Young at Woodlands Premier Dentistry, serving the communities of Woodlands, Houston, Kingwood, Conroe, and Spring, Texas.

 

 

 

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